Wollongong’s changing economic landscape

In 1883, the Mount Kembla Coal and Oil Company built a railway to the coast to ship their products off shore. From here the port at Port Kembla was born. Now, nearly 135 years on, the port is about to undergo drastic changes to accommodate for influx of shipping deliveries.

Since the port's birth, businesses have established themselves along the coastline, scattered across the 5km strip.

The proposed upgrades will see the port dredged, widened, and almost double in size. But as the port itself is undergoing drastic changes, so too will the businesses have grown to live off the people who filter into the local community.

Sea Scape Cafè, which overlooks the harbour, is predicted to be one of the major beneficiaries to the port upgrades.

The cafè was established by the tenant, Cheryl, under the control of the NSW Ports. She says that it's initiatives like these that will provide a much needed shot in the arm for local business and up-and-coming entrepreneurs.

"There's enough business to go around for everyone", she says. "We can all benefit from the size increase, and the flow-ons that come with such a big change."

"We've got a loyal band of customers, that vary from the Kiama cyclists who visit three days a week, to the local schools we cater for. The pie is really that big, that we can all take a fair slice."

"The port isn't the most appealing site, but it's a bustling mini-economy. Any improvement, any changes can help local businesses."

Port Kembla has long been thought of as a place where businesses go to die. But the upgrade to the port, and the rejuvination of the main strip- Wentworth Street- will seek to return the town to it's vibrant origins.

Right now, dilapidated shop fronts, baron industrial lots and unoccupied, boarded-up shop fronts dominate the local scenery, but Cheryl is optimistic that the upgrades to the port will have a positive effect on these businesses.

"After all, we were established as the kitchen for the Pilot Signal Station above our building, and then we transformed into a neat cafè. It's just about businesses adapting."

Coal mines, industrial plants and forestry – three primary industries that are synonymous with the economic history of Wollongong.

But as the globe warms, the trees die, and manufacturing companies look offshore, the Wollongong economy has undergone some significant changes to adapt to the changing economic landscape.

While industries change, so too must the businesses that feed off their activity. UOWTV Reporters Jared Constable, Elliot Reeves, Andre Charadia and Ben Mitchell discover the ways businesses and industries are coping with the changes in trading.

Port expansion to revive the struggling south

A funding boost will see large-scale redevelopment and expansion of the shipping port at Port Kembla, south of Wollongong.

The site has long been a hot-spot for the transferring of manufacturing goods and vehicles, but upcoming improvements to the facility will see the port open for larger vessels, carrying bigger loads. This will lead to an increase in traffic through the port, and hopefully an influx of prospective customers.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery says, “The development and nurturing of companies in StartPad shows that Wollongong is developing as a city where companies and entrepreneurs can work innovative applications and tools to deliver new businesses and employment opportunities. (The) Council is keen to see this area of the city cultivated to support entrepreneurs who have ideas and foresight.”

The program is expected to change the nature of business in the Illawarra helping the area flourish both socially and economically.

According to the IAccelerate website, “iAccelerate and its associated programs represents a turning point in the industry profile of the Illawarra and will support the growing innovation ecosystem here. StartPad delivers real opportunities for companies identified through the Universities Entrepreneur Club, a pipeline of highly engaged and talented graduates into the Illawarra innovation ecosystem.”

The program has already had a significant impact within the Illawarra. UOW Director of Innovation and Commercial Research, and CEO of iAccelerate Elizabeth Eastland said recently in Connect: UOW magazine, “In just two years of operating iAccelerate StartPad, we have hosted 25 startup companies representing 52 entrepreneurs and new jobs – with just 20 available spaces. The iAccelerate Centre will have more than 10 times as many spaces for entrepreneurs.”

The official opening of the iAccelerate Hub will take place on 10th April, 10:30am and the Foyer, Mike Codd Building, Innovation Campus.

Reporter – Elliot Reeves

Job losses at Illawarra Coal part of economic change in Steel City

BHP owned Illawarra Coal has announce 36 job cuts as part of an ‘organisational review’. UOWTV Multimedia reporter André Charadia interviews business lecturer Michael Gross about the changing economy of the region.